Associate Director, Public Affairs

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for driving media coverage through the development and implementation of the museum’s earned media strategy for major exhibitions and other museum projects and initiatives. Owns media measurement and reporting and serves as a departmental specialist on a variety of museum issues.

RESPONSIBILITIESPress management: Lead press strategy for major exhibitions and garner coverage in local, national, and international media outlets. Research exhibitions and write and edit museum press materials, including but not limited to press releases, pitch letters, media advisories, interview preparation, and fact sheets. Develop media relationships and manage requests for, and staff as needed, photo shoots and filmings, images, access to exhibitions, interviews, and other activities. Meet or exceed metrics related to press coverage.Measurement and Tracking: Establish and implement a measurement system for monitoring growth and progress of our press strategy. Build metrics to track exhibition coverage and success of outreach accordingly, and monitor and track thought leadership in specific topic areas. Partner with the Executive Director on quarterly reports, with support from Public Affairs Manager. Communications specialist: Become the department’s expert on a variety of museum issues. Collaborating with stakeholders across the museum, develop a deep, nuanced understanding of the history of the issue, the museum’s position, and other related context. Assess all media requests on the subject and advise leadership on proposed responses and direction. Assist with the execution of crisis response and be able to exercise discretion while working on confidential employment and labor topics.

QUALIFICATIONSB.A. or equivalent experience required5+ years public affairs or related experience preferredExpert interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated ability to write and editAbility to multitask, problem solve, and work on tight deadlinesDesire to work in a mission-driven organization committed to equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.The successful candidate should: Be proactive, organized, results-oriented, and a strategic thinker with an enthusiasm for learning new things.Be calm under pressure and comfortable managing confidential employment and labor information.Have a demonstrated interest in the visual arts. Pay close attention to details, and be able to see how efforts fit in the big picture. Be a team player willing to pitch in wherever help is needed. Be willing to work some late evenings and weekends.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in a staff culture that benefits from a wide range of experience, backgrounds, and career paths, and we encourage nontraditional candidates to apply.